Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School

At Lighthouse Academies, we prepare our scholars through rigorous programs that provide them with a foundation that will allow them to succeed in and graduate from college. Our unique arts-infused curriculum, emphasis on social development and integration of diverse cultural opportunities augments learning and broadens horizons.

Andre Agassi cuts the ribbon at our ribbon cutting event on September 23, 2014. We are thankful to Turner Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund and Lighthouse Academies, and most of all to our families and scholars! We are already working hard and getting smart in order to graduate from college in our new, permanent home!

2013-14

School Leaders

Courtney Russell

Ms. Russell started her career with Hands On Atlanta as an Americorps member directing a team of members and volunteers to influence the academic and social capacities of inner-city students. She then joined Teach For America and taught elementary school in Atlanta. She taught for five years achieving significant academic gains in all subject areas. Most recently, Ms. Russell served as a Professional Development Consultant for Renzulli Learning, an online educational program focused on differentiated learning. Ms. Russell holds a BA from Muhlenberg College as well as a MA in Educational Leadership from Teacher College at Columbia University. She recently completed her Ed.S. in Instructional Design and Development from University of Georgia.

Director of Teacher Leadership (K-4)

Alida Maravi

Ms. Maravi started her career teaching elementary school English as a Second Language (ESL) and 2nd grade general education in Washington, D.C. through Teach for America. From there, she taught 3rd grade in Chicago and Kindergarten in Everett, WA, a suburb of Seattle. Throughout her teaching career she was passionate about helping her students make significant gains in academic achievement, collecting and sharing resources and best practices with colleagues, and interacting with parents and community members on a regular basis. Ms. Maravi holds a BA from the University of Michigan as well as an EdM in Educational Neuroscience from Harvard University.

Director of Teacher Leadership (5-6)

Kurt Davidson

Mr. Davidson leads the Upper Academy at MetLCS. He began his career as a Teach for America special education teacher at The Arts and Technology Academy (ATA) Public Charter School in Washington, DC. Over four years, Mr. Davidson assumed greater leadership roles serving as a team leader and then as a mathematics instructional leader, leading the curriculum, professional development, and instructional coaching effort that came with transitioning to the Common Core Standards. In that time, he also served as a Seminar Instructor for TNTP, providing coaching and instruction for first year teachers working to gain certification. Looking to expand his leadership skills and gain public school district experience, Mr. Davidson served as a Resident Principal at Pinewood Elementary in Charlotte, NC. In his residency through New Leaders, he directly managed nine classroom teachers and successfully led the school's Read to Achieve, personalized learning, and School Leadership Team/ Title I initiatives. Mr. Davidson has a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Special Education degree from George Mason University.

Director of Scholar Services

Kristen Briggs

Ms. Briggs is the Director of Scholar Services at Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School. Prior to her time at MetLCS, she taught secondary Special Education in Philadelphia, PA as a Teach for America corps member. After experiencing teacher layoffs firsthand, Ms. Briggs went on to become a member of the inaugural cohort of Teacher Fellows with StudentsFirst where she provided critical teacher input to pressing educational policy. Ms. Briggs continued to teach Special Education for several years in charter settings in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. before relocating to New York. Most recently she worked with Achievement First supporting their fourteen K-12 schools in N.Y. with compliance, data systems and district partnerships. Throughout her career in education Ms. Briggs has driven her scholars to great academic gains with the belief that ALL scholars can succeed and has been fortunate enough to witness two classes of students graduate from high school and go on to college. Ms. Briggs is a proud graduate of Morgan State University where she earned her B.S. in Psychology and also holds her M.Ed. from Chestnut Hill College.

Business Manager

Jose A. Obregon

Jose A. Obregon is the business manager at Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School in the Bronx, New York. He was born in Colombia, South America and came to the United States with his parents when he was a year old. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard while still attending college. He studied at Excelsior College in New York State and Hunter College of the City University of New York in New York. Jose majored in History and Political Science and has a Bachelor of Science degree. After completing his undergraduate degree, Jose enlisted into the active Army. He entered active service as a commissioned officer and served in the United States Army for over 22 years. During his military career, Jose held various supervisory positions in the area of personnel administration, logistics, operations, and also held two command assignments. During his career in the Army, Jose served in multiple combat tours before finally retiring from active service in 2006. During his career as a New York City public charter school professional, Jose has worked for several years in the area of finance and also facilities management.

Shaniqua Santos

Jason McNatt

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Become a Lighthouse Academy Student

Discover, achieve and prepare for success in college and beyond. We will prepare your student academically, socially and culturally to succeed in and graduate from college. We will develop your student’s critical decision-making skills to prepare him/her for success in life. Lighthouse Academies offers small schools, small class sizes, longer school year, and longer school day so we can provide students with a high quality education.

Join Our Team

Are you fearless, driven and forward-thinking? We need people who want to teach, lead and transform the lives of our students. We need people who share our passion for creativity and innovation. We are committed to developing the capacity of our staff with 20 professional days each year, individual coaching and collaboration. Join us in transforming children’s futures.